RoadVitals

2009 Scion Xb

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
140
Latest Dec 17, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest Oct 17, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17
16 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 140 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Scion Xb, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and brakes categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 139 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Oct 17, 2019
928,220 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number J0A, J0B, J0C, JLIView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Sep 20, 2018
544 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
The risk: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number J0UView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
628,018 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number See attached reportView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Dec 17, 2024

I want to report a defect with the hood of this vehicle. I was driving on the interstate and my hood lifted up and became detached from the vehicle, it literally flew off of the car. I didn't see where it went but fortunate neither myself nor other drivers were affected. I managed to pull over you a safety zone and have the vehicle towed. I thought that this was unique to this vehicle, but I saw other reports on this defect.

NHTSA ID
11631178
Incident
Mar 10, 2023
Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2024

This vehicle type had a oil consumption recall. My vehicle has never been repaired. The car consumes a lot of oil. I went to my local Toyota dealership to have my car repaired under the recall. They would not honor the repair.. my car is a 2009 Scion xB. The recall goes back to 2016. I bought my car after 2016 with low miles. Don't they have to repair by law ? Can you please help me. I am low income on a disability. I need my car repaired thank you

NHTSA ID
11569963
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Nov 20, 2022
1 injury reported

I was shocked by electrical component on a rainy day on the driver side the electric component In the door panel were exposed to rain as all buttons to control lock and windows from driver side have sunk down a couple inches. This happened almost right away after I purchased pre-owned from Honda dealership in Corona. I took my Scion to Toyota of Ontario who said faulty electrical components had been replaced prior to my purchase and wasn't covered as a free replacement/repair item. I had to get recalled airbags replaced though and as a courtesy door panel was tightened up no exposed wires but it wasn't replacing melted parts either from direct sun exposure as the windshield is like a magnifying glass, amplifying the heat of the sun exponentially. The "courtesy fix" didn't last even 2months and being on disability and on a fixed income that expense hadn't been on the top of my list. It's more than cosmetic and more than merely a nuisance, I was actually shocked. Not as badly as the time I was shocked by jumper cables when my battery died, which caused me to have a seizure and I am not epileptic. I believe it was not due to defect, but rather my lack of experience. Still the lock and windows are electric and should be available to operate by driver. To unlock the rear door when picking up kids from school, I must turn the ignition off or remove my seatbelt put car in park, engage the E Brake and reach way over and all the way back. It's annoying and what, God forbid I am involved in a terrible accident I cannot unlock car door or escape a flash flood by rolling down my window. These things worry me most. Even more than being electrocuted again the next time it rains.

NHTSA ID
11494294
Incident
Oct 14, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Apr 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Scion XB. The contact stated the hood failed to close after several attempts. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V451000 (Structure) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11460162
Incident
Mar 24, 2022
Mileage
150,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 5, 2021

Brake pedal is to close to gas pedal and almost got rear ended several times by accidentally touching the brake when I accelerate.

NHTSA ID
11442738
Incident
Dec 5, 2021
Electrical
Filed Oct 4, 2020

INTERMITTENT PANEL LIGHTS COME ON INCLUDING BATTERY,SLIP INDICATOR,VSC,ABS AND SOMETIMES LOSE SPEEDOMETER WHILE DRIVING. HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. HAVE REPLACED BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. DEALERSHIP AND SEVERAL CAR REPAIR PLACES DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. ALSO, ONE TIME AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR MECHANICS SAY THAT MY CAR IS TRACKING GOOD. I HAVE 175,441 MILES ON MY SCION. SOMETIMES EVERYTHING IS FINE FOR DAYS, THEN LIGHTS WILL BLINK OR STAY ON FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME.

NHTSA ID
11362624
Incident
Nov 10, 2019
Mileage
174,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA SCION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE BASS FORD LOCATED AT 5050 DETROIT RD, SHEFFIELD, OH 44035 (440) 934-3673, FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS EXTREMELY LOW. AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, A MONTH LATER THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS EVIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE INITIAL OIL CHANGE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ALSO UNABLE TO FIND EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LEAK. THE VIN TOOL SHOWED NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED A MONTH LATER, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE OIL RELATED FAILURE, A PISTON WENT THROUGH THE CYLINDER HEAD AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WARRANTY COVERED UP TO 140,000 MILES. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,400.

NHTSA ID
11309800
Incident
Nov 1, 2019
Mileage
138,400 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Dec 8, 2019

KEEP GETTING RECALS IN THE MAIL MY CARS HOOLD LATCH WONT STAY SO I RISK DAILY THE POTENTIAL TO HAVE IT FLY UP AND SMASH MY WINDSHIELD, ALSO BURNS THREW TOO OIL, INTERIOR LIGHTS DONT WORK FOR THE HEATING AC AREA UMM IF U CLOSE THE GAS CAP COVER COMPLETLY AS REQUIRED IT FUEMS UP THE INSIDE THE CAR MAKES U SICK FEELNG MY AIRBAGS ARE ALARMING AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN U WOULDMT EXPECT IT TO OR NEVER STOP EVEN WHEN U CLICK IN SEAT BELT AND THE O2 SENSOR IS A CONSISTAMT REPLACEMENT THATS GETTIMG ANNOYING TO FIX OR REPLACE

NHTSA ID
11287763
Incident
Apr 2, 2018
Mileage
200,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

Z2G_Dealer_Lette

STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.

Z3G_Dealer_Lette

STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.

ZKG_Dealer_Lette

STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement

22TE04 - Takata

AIR BAGS

CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Toyota?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Toyota stands behind the reliability of our vehicles.

Takata CSP Cover

AIR BAGS

CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022

ZKG_Dealer_Lette

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Scion Xb by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016000
2015631
2014931
2013133165.6
2012454162.1
2011546158.8
2010558158.5
2009Viewing14011160.9
20083399158.9
2007350
200625311054.2
2005927054.8
2004376054.7
2003120
2002010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.